Industrialist Ratan Tata once produced a film with Amitabh Bachchan it proved a disaster
Industrialist Ratan Tata once produced a film with Amitabh Bachchan it proved a disaster
Billionaire Industrialist Ratan Tata once produced a film with Amitabh Bachchan. Ironically, it turned out to be a debacle at the box-office as it grossed only Rs 7.96 crore.
The film was ‘Aetbaar,’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan.
Notwithstanding its optimistic cast and intriguing plot, the film marked Tata’s only foray into the movie industry.
Notably, Ratan Tata, is the renowned industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group, and acknowledged for his significant contributions to the Indian economy.
However, his ventures are not limited to the corporate world. In the early 2000s, Tata ventured into film production as a co-producer with a film titled “Aetbaar’ featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.
Ratan Tata has played a pivotal role in transforming the Tata Group into a multi-faceted conglomerate valued at approximately Rs 33 lakh crore. Under his leadership, the group expanded into various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and IT, establishing a reputation for innovation and ethical business practices.
While his foray into Tata’s film production was least anticipated, but indicative of his diverse interests.
Acknowledged for his philanthropy and cultural initiatives, he sought to explore the entertainment industry, culminating in the production of the film Aetbaar.
Aetbaar which hit the theatres in 2004, was a romantic psychological thriller and Vikram Bhatt’s directorial.The film featured apart from Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bipasha Basu. It was inspired by the 1996 Hollywood film “Fear,” and the storyline navigated complex emotional themes, combining elements of romance and suspense.
The narrative revolved around Dr. Ranveer Malhotra, a character essayed by Amitabh Bachchan, a possessive father determined to protect his daughter, Ria Malhotra (Bipasha Basu), from her obsessive lover, Aryan Trivedi (John Abraham).
As the plot unfolded, Ranveer investigates Aryan’s dark past, creating tension within the family when Ria chooses to pursue her bond with Aryan regardless her father’s concerns.
The film produced by Ratan Tata was in collaboration with other stakeholders, showcasing his commitment to quality cinema.
Notwithstanding the starry cast and a budget of Rs 9.50 crore, Aetbaar struggled to connect with audiences. The film managed to gross only Rs 7.96 crore at the box office, failing to recover its production costs. As per box-office India, this financial shortfall marked the film as a significant box-office disaster.
Even as Aetbaar garnered mixed reviews, it has generated some appreciation over the years for its gritty storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Bachchan. Bit, the negative commercial outcome overshadowed its artistic merits, finally leading to Ratan Tata’s decision to refrain from further film production.
The film remains a notable part of Tata’s diverse narrative, embodying the risks inherent in both business and art.
News Edit KV Raman.
